The Top Fourteen Tips for Effective Children's Ministry - Tip #6 - Involve Others!

When it comes to children's ministry we have volunteers who are faithful, flexible, and who we can depend on to do whatever they have committed to. We also have volunteers who we have to follow up on because they do not always show up and do not always do what they say they will do. This can leave us thinking we should just do what needs to be done so it is done and so it is done the way we want it to be done. 

However, if you just do things yourself, you run the very big risk of becoming bitter and thinking too highly of yourself by thinking it all depends on you. Plus, you will be keeping others from serving; so, if you are serious about truly involving others, consider the following . . . 

• First of all, be honest with yourself about Who everything truly depends upon . . . hint, it is NOT you. 
• Honestly evaluate to see if there is a reason volunteers do not follow up on what they say they will do. Do you fail to provide the support they need to do what they have volunteered to do? Do you have them stretched too far? Have you provided sufficient and excellent training?
• Do you give others the impression you do not really believe they are capable of doing things? Do you "hog" all the ministry to yourself?
• Do you have unrealistic expectations? 
• Are you unthankful for the things volunteers currently do?

These are just a few things to consider, but we need to be committed to involving others in the children's ministry; not only because you really can not do it all, but because God has given others gifts they need to use to serve Him so they can experience the joy of serving, too! Involve others! Equip volunteers so they can serve with joy! Involve others!

What do you do to make sure you are involving others in your children's ministry?